Take my picture

Every once in awhile I go on different photographer sites I admire. I look through their array of photos and feel inspired by the beauty they have captured. The pure essence of the moment or the raw emotion in someones face. I feel a sense of awe for those that cannot only see the shot but capture the artistic side of it as well. If you are wondering what I mean take a look at this site: www.amphoto.com.

So out of curiosity I googled (surprised? not!) photographers in my area. Not only was I sadly disappointed by the sites I visited but shocked by the lack of talent and depth of perception these so called photographers have. I am sorry, but I have taken some pretty pictures but I would by no means call myself a photographer. I am beginning to think anyone who can point a camera and click a button is now calling themselves a photographer. Maybe if I buy a big expensive camera which I do not know how to use half the buttons, then I can call myself a photographer. This is like saying that if I read an accounting book then BAM I must be an accountant. I guess I should have given up those years in university and just opened a book.

Then there are the people out there who are making a living on being a photographer who started learning the art and developing it, but over time have lost the passion for it and now just take some pictures. The place I have seen this the most is in wedding photos and billboards. So if you are going to take a picture of the bride getting ready, the last thing she is going to want to see when looking through the pictures is all of the hair products lined up on the desk. The scary thing is that they were more in focus than the bride. Or how about having a 10 foot high picture of a hand that needs a serious waxing. eww. It is like no one has ever heard of Photoshop or waxing. I am still haunted by this image.

I have taken some pictures, for which I am proud to display in our home and I would like to be able to say they were that way when I took them. But after some photoshop work and some cropping, they look much better. Then there are the pictures I have taken; which took me quite a few takes to get right only because I was fearful of what my peers would say had I taken awful pictures. Something about working with a lot of designers can make you feel this way. Would I say I was a photographer? No...I am barely an intermediate picture taker.

So the next time you are planning on paying money for a picture or to hire a photographer for the big day think to yourself...is this person lucky with their shots or do they evoke an emotion in you? Because let's face it..you can get lucky anywhere but emotion usually comes at a price!

All photos are the property and sole ownership of jjs and shall not be used for any other purpose than this blog site.

A little Poem

'Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the house,
Decorating had begun, despite my damn spouse.
The outside light were all hung and handled with care,
With only two trips to Walmart to fix and repair.

The pets were nestled all sung in OUR bed,
While we went off shopping, much to our dread.
With Ma and Pa on their way home from Florida you see,
Christmas wont be the same without Uncle C.


When out on the street there arose such a clatter,
Reno sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window hew flew like a flash,
Barking like crazy, his nose to the glass.

Out in the yard he saw tracks in the snow,
Who left them there? He liked to know.
When what to his wondering eyes should appear,
But the cat from next door, with a look of fear.

He gave out a howl and the cat ran away,
His job was complete now, it was time to play.
While back at the mall, the shoppers all came,
In droves by the dozens calling each one by name.

Now get back here Jimmy and try this on Jane,
With kids running everywhere we must be insane.
Grab the cards while you can and to the liquor store too,
Now off to the cashier and the lines to get threw.

When we looked at the parking lot, we wished we could fly
Brian let out a curse and shook his fist to the sky.
So off to our spot where all the "car stalkers" flew
With our last minute packages and happy we were threw.

The in a twinkling, I exclaimed with a glee,
Let's have an open house but we need a tree.
So off to the Carl's lot we went with a bound,
To find a tall skinny tree like no one else in town.

Carl was dressed all in plaid from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all covered in balsam and goop.
With a chainsaw he had flung on his back,
He was ready to perfect with one simple hack.

My eyes began to twinkle and I thought how dear
To have everyone home for once in five years.
So back to the house we started to go,
Just as dusk appeared and so did the snow.

Around the house I flew, while gritting my teeth,
Going like mad, I threw up the wreath.
Started the baking with no time to rest,
Planning the menu to serve all our guests.

I spoke not a word but continued my work
Decorating and cleaning like I was berserk.
I finished my tasks and sank in the chair
I still had to shower and tame my wild hair.

But with a glass full of wine, I looked all around
Our house was full of love for which I was proud.
Twinkling lights and the house ready for show,
With contented animals, my heart was aglow.

I got up from my seat and gave out a sigh,
The house looked like Christmas and now I know why,
It is the spirit of the season that we do what me might,
So Merry Christmas to all, but let's party tonight!